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Devil's Dyke

Valley in Sussex Mid Sussex

England

Devil's Dyke

Devil's Dyke View Point Devil's Dyke is a V-shaped valley on the South Downs Way in southern England, near Brighton and Hove. It is part of the Southern England Chalk Formation. The 300-foot-deep valley was carved by tremendous amounts of water running off the Downs during the last Ice Age when large amounts of snow thawed and the frozen chalk prevented any further absorption; erosion was aided by the freeze-thaw cycle and the valley was deepened by the 'sludging' of the saturated chalk <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Dyke,_Sussex" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Dyke,_Sussex">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Devil's Dyke View Point Credit: PAUL FARMER

Devil's Dyke is a 100-meter-deep V-shaped valley located in the South Downs National Park, near the village of Poynings in East Sussex, England. This natural landmark stretches for about 3.2 kilometers, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

The valley was formed during the last ice age, around 10,000 years ago, by meltwater that eroded the soft chalk hills. Its name derives from the folklore belief that the Devil dug the valley to allow the sea to flood the Weald, a low-lying area of the Sussex countryside. However, the geological explanation for its formation has since debunked this myth.

Today, Devil's Dyke is a popular tourist destination and a haven for walkers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. The site boasts an extensive network of footpaths, making it ideal for exploring the stunning landscapes and taking in the panoramic views across the South Downs. On clear days, visitors can see as far as the English Channel and the Isle of Wight.

The area is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including rare species of butterflies, birds, and plants. Moreover, Devil's Dyke is renowned for its vibrant displays of wildflowers during the spring and summer months.

In addition to its natural beauty, Devil's Dyke offers various recreational activities such as paragliding and kite flying. The valley has become a popular spot for these sports due to its strong winds and the wide open space it provides.

Overall, Devil's Dyke is a captivating and cherished location, attracting visitors from near and far who are captivated by its rich history and breathtaking views.

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Devil's Dyke Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.88587/-0.20283988 or Grid Reference TQ2611. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Devil's Dyke View Point Devil's Dyke is a V-shaped valley on the South Downs Way in southern England, near Brighton and Hove. It is part of the Southern England Chalk Formation. The 300-foot-deep valley was carved by tremendous amounts of water running off the Downs during the last Ice Age when large amounts of snow thawed and the frozen chalk prevented any further absorption; erosion was aided by the freeze-thaw cycle and the valley was deepened by the 'sludging' of the saturated chalk <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Dyke,_Sussex" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Dyke,_Sussex">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Devil's Dyke View Point
Devil's Dyke is a V-shaped valley on the South Downs Way in southern England, near Brighton and Hove. It is part of the Southern England Chalk Formation. The 300-foot-deep valley was carved by tremendous amounts of water running off the Downs during the last Ice Age when large amounts of snow thawed and the frozen chalk prevented any further absorption; erosion was aided by the freeze-thaw cycle and the valley was deepened by the 'sludging' of the saturated chalk LinkExternal link
Ferns near the bottom of Devil's Dyke
Ferns near the bottom of Devil's Dyke
Forge Garage - old filling-station paraphernalia
Forge Garage - old filling-station paraphernalia
Saddlescombe from North Hill Much of the land here is owned and managed by the National Trust.
Saddlescombe from North Hill
Much of the land here is owned and managed by the National Trust.
Devils Dyke from North Hill One of the most spectacular dry valleys in the South Downs.
Devils Dyke from North Hill
One of the most spectacular dry valleys in the South Downs.
Fulking - from the South Downs This is a cross-grid shot. The camera was in the square to the south.
Fulking - from the South Downs
This is a cross-grid shot. The camera was in the square to the south.
Inscription by the spring
Inscription by the spring
Devil's Dyke The day after Boxing Day 2022, one which began wet and gloomily before brightening before clouding over and getting quite chilly.
Devil's Dyke
The day after Boxing Day 2022, one which began wet and gloomily before brightening before clouding over and getting quite chilly.
Winter trees on Newtimber Hill
Winter trees on Newtimber Hill
View west over Poynings from North Hill Chanctonbury Ring can be seen in the distance.
View west over Poynings from North Hill
Chanctonbury Ring can be seen in the distance.
Viewpoint at Devil's Dyke Devil's Dyke is a V-shaped valley on the South Downs Way in southern England, near Brighton and Hove. It is part of the Southern England Chalk Formation. The 300-foot-deep valley was carved by tremendous amounts of water running off the Downs during the last Ice Age when large amounts of snow thawed and the frozen chalk prevented any further absorption; erosion was aided by the freeze-thaw cycle and the valley was deepened by the 'sludging' of the saturated chalk <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Dyke,_Sussex" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Dyke,_Sussex">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Viewpoint at Devil's Dyke
Devil's Dyke is a V-shaped valley on the South Downs Way in southern England, near Brighton and Hove. It is part of the Southern England Chalk Formation. The 300-foot-deep valley was carved by tremendous amounts of water running off the Downs during the last Ice Age when large amounts of snow thawed and the frozen chalk prevented any further absorption; erosion was aided by the freeze-thaw cycle and the valley was deepened by the 'sludging' of the saturated chalk LinkExternal link
Devil's Dyke Country Pub & Dining
Devil's Dyke Country Pub & Dining
Trig point at Devil's Dyke Devil's Dyke is a V-shaped valley on the South Downs Way in southern England, near Brighton and Hove. It is part of the Southern England Chalk Formation. The 300-foot-deep valley was carved by tremendous amounts of water running off the Downs during the last Ice Age when large amounts of snow thawed and the frozen chalk prevented any further absorption; erosion was aided by the freeze-thaw cycle and the valley was deepened by the 'sludging' of the saturated chalk <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Dyke,_Sussex" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Dyke,_Sussex">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Trig point at Devil's Dyke
Devil's Dyke is a V-shaped valley on the South Downs Way in southern England, near Brighton and Hove. It is part of the Southern England Chalk Formation. The 300-foot-deep valley was carved by tremendous amounts of water running off the Downs during the last Ice Age when large amounts of snow thawed and the frozen chalk prevented any further absorption; erosion was aided by the freeze-thaw cycle and the valley was deepened by the 'sludging' of the saturated chalk LinkExternal link
View through a window A derelict building at Devil's Dyke, with a view through the window towards Fulking.
View through a window
A derelict building at Devil's Dyke, with a view through the window towards Fulking.
View from Devil's Dyke across the Low Weald
View from Devil's Dyke across the Low Weald
The South Downs near Fulking The South Downs is one of the four areas of chalk downland in southern England. They extend from the eastern side of Hampshire through Sussex, culminating in the cliffs at Beachy Head. The South Downs is England's newest National Park, its designation taking effect on March 31, 2010. There are many Sites of Special Scientific Interest within the park. The area is relatively unpopulated, although along its southern periphery there is an almost uninterrupted ribbon of seaside towns. It is extremely popular with walkers, having one principal long distance footpath, the South Downs Way, and many interconnecting ones. There are three principal gaps in the upland through which rivers flow; and there are also many dry valleys along its length. The South Downs have a long history; there are archaeological remains from Neolithic times. Until the middle of the 20th century, sheep-rearing was the main occupation of those living on the Downs. At 886ft, Butser Hill is the highest point of the South Downs. Extract from Wikipedia <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Downs" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Downs">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
The South Downs near Fulking
The South Downs is one of the four areas of chalk downland in southern England. They extend from the eastern side of Hampshire through Sussex, culminating in the cliffs at Beachy Head. The South Downs is England's newest National Park, its designation taking effect on March 31, 2010. There are many Sites of Special Scientific Interest within the park. The area is relatively unpopulated, although along its southern periphery there is an almost uninterrupted ribbon of seaside towns. It is extremely popular with walkers, having one principal long distance footpath, the South Downs Way, and many interconnecting ones. There are three principal gaps in the upland through which rivers flow; and there are also many dry valleys along its length. The South Downs have a long history; there are archaeological remains from Neolithic times. Until the middle of the 20th century, sheep-rearing was the main occupation of those living on the Downs. At 886ft, Butser Hill is the highest point of the South Downs. Extract from Wikipedia LinkExternal link
Inside a derelict building at Devil's Dyke
Inside a derelict building at Devil's Dyke
Woodland and path at Devil's Dyke Devil's Dyke is a V-shaped valley on the South Downs Way in southern England, near Brighton and Hove. It is part of the Southern England Chalk Formation. The 300-foot-deep valley was carved by tremendous amounts of water running off the Downs during the last Ice Age when large amounts of snow thawed and the frozen chalk prevented any further absorption; erosion was aided by the freeze-thaw cycle and the valley was deepened by the 'sludging' of the saturated chalk <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Dyke,_Sussex" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Dyke,_Sussex">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Woodland and path at Devil's Dyke
Devil's Dyke is a V-shaped valley on the South Downs Way in southern England, near Brighton and Hove. It is part of the Southern England Chalk Formation. The 300-foot-deep valley was carved by tremendous amounts of water running off the Downs during the last Ice Age when large amounts of snow thawed and the frozen chalk prevented any further absorption; erosion was aided by the freeze-thaw cycle and the valley was deepened by the 'sludging' of the saturated chalk LinkExternal link
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Devil's Dyke is located at Grid Ref: TQ2611 (Lat: 50.88587, Lng: -0.20283988)

Administrative County: West Sussex

District: Mid Sussex

Police Authority: Sussex

What 3 Words

///submerged.mallets.shop. Near Portslade, East Sussex

Nearby Locations

Devil's Dyke Devil's Dyke and Saddlescombe Summer Down East Hill

Related Wikis

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.88587,-0.20283988
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 50.8876462/-0.2060657
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 50.8891444/-0.2013001
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bicycle: no
Foot: yes
Horse: no
Motor Vehicle: no
Lat/Long: 50.886793/-0.2055272
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Barrier: stile
Stile: stepover
Lat/Long: 50.8896805/-0.206012
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench
Lat/Long: 50.8873769/-0.2081929
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Benfield Valley Sussex
Bottom Hertfordshire

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